A world without Russia would be hundreds of years more deprived of scientific discoveries and inventions, whether we like to accept it or not. It’s history itself confirming it, not us, and we are here only to remind you of some of the most important scientific contributions that Russia had to the world.
In a world dominated by political tensions and ambitions, we need to also keep in mind what geniuses have arisen from a specific country that many of us prefer to neglect. From pioneering space explorations to groundbreaking advancements when it comes to medicine, Russian inventors and scientists have left a permanent mark on the global landscape. Let’s see some of the most important inventions and scientific discoveries that Russia has provided to our planet, proving that the nation indeed has an impressive legacy of ingenuity.
Groundbreaking space explorations (’50s and early ’60s)
Russia is responsible for both the first successful launch of the first artificial satellite and the first human into cosmic space. Sputnik 1 is the satellite in question, and it went into space in 1957. That iconic event marked the beginning of the space age.
Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, became the first human who reach space back in 1961 during an orbital flight. It became clear since that point that Russia has achieved a solidifying position at the forefront of space exploration.
Dmitri Mendeleev’s Periodic Table (1869)
What would the world of nowadays do without the establishment of the Periodic Table of Elements that the Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev unfolded over 150 years ago? How could we still study chemistry? That extremely important scientific achievement occurred in 1869, as Mendeleev managed to organize the known chemical elements based on their properties.
Dmitri Mendeleev’s achievement guided scientists in understanding the relationship between different elements and how they behave in nature.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Pavel Yablochkov had groundbreaking scientific work on alternating currents that laid the foundation for the development of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology. As probably anybody knows today, MRI now serves as an important diagnostic tool in medicine, enabling doctors to benefit from imaging of internal body structures with amazing clarity.
MRI is widely used by doctors to examine the brain and spinal cord of the patient. MRI is a crucial tool that can diagnose conditions such as tumors, multiple sclerosis, vascular abnormalities, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Laser technology (early ’50s)
Back in the early 1950s, two Russian physicists, Alexander Prokhorov and Nikolay Basiov, independently developed the theoretical framework for laser technology. Their scientific research paved the way for the creation of transformative technology, as it impacted fields ranging from medical procedures to communications.
For instance, lasers are used in surgery due to their precision. They are able to cut or coagulate tissues with minimum damage to surrounding areas. Lasers can also be used for skin treatments, and we can mention the removal of tattoos, scars, or birthmarks.
Antonov An-225 Miriya: The largest aircraft in the world
Antonov An-225 Miriya remains the largest cargo aircraft ever built, and it was designed by Mykhailo Antonov, a Ukrainian engineer. The plane is capable of carrying massive payloads and has played a very important role in transporting oversized cargo worldwide.
The aircraft measures 84 meters in length, while it has a wingspan of 88.4 meters and a height of about 18.1 meters. Antonov An-225 Miriya aircraft is so large that it has six turbofan engined on its wings in order to ensure enough thrust.
You got the idea in the end: Russia had highly important contributions when it comes to both science and technology, as some of them have been both profound and diverse and left an enduring impact on the global stage.
